‘Yes, it’s just a bit of backache from leaning over for so long. I can’t get away with doing so much now I’m getting older.’ Roxie winked.
‘You’re fitter than most twenty-year-olds, Roxie and you know it.’ Joanne nudged her and they both laughed.
‘Let’s tuck in then because I’m starving.’ Lila started to dish out the food onto the reusable picnic plates and Joanne handed out the forks while Roxie passed them the water bottles.
Half an hour later, Lila was full and relaxed. She was leaning against the trunk of the tree, hands resting on her belly, eyes closed. The leaves of the tree were gently rustling in the breeze, the air was sweet with the scents of strawberries and meadow flowers from surrounding fields and Roxie and Joanne were chatting away about their plans for the hen party the following day.
It was one of those perfect moments in life and Lila savoured every minute.
14
Roxie
‘It looks like everything’s ready.’ Fletcher gazed around their back garden at the round tables with parasols and cushioned chairs.
‘It’s wonderful, thank you.’ Roxie leant her head on his shoulder. ‘I don’t know what I’d do without you.’
The day of Lila’s garden party AKA hen party had arrived and Roxie felt like she would burst with excitement.
‘Ditto,’ he said as his kissed her forehead. ‘And now you want me to make myself scarce, I guess?’
She laughed. ‘You don’t have to.’
‘Well, I did say that I’d go to the pub for a pint with Ethan, Max, Rex, and Finlay. I think a few other blokes are going too.’
‘Ah, I see … so Ethan is having a stag do?’
‘I don’t think it’s really a stag do as such. More a pint or two and a packet of cheese and onion crisps.’
‘You go and have fun.’
‘You’re not having a stripper and wild party games, are you?’ He pursed his lips.
‘Ha! As if. The hen is heavily pregnant, I’m happily married and Freda Morris and Hilda Baker are coming. Can you imagine a hot, sweaty hunk gyrating around the begonias?’
‘Being chased by Glenda and Stinky?’ His lips curled upwards.
‘Exactly.’
‘Well, if you do need a hot dancer, let me know. I’ll happily oblige.’ He licked his lips, tousled his hair and shimmied in a circle.
‘You, my love, are dancing for no one except me.’ She pulled him close and slid her arms around his waist. ‘Do you think I’d let the women of Wisteria Hollow ogle your … charms?’
Fletcher’s cheeks flushed and he smiled. ‘You still see me like that?’
‘I do. I love and adore you and fancy you more than ever.’
‘You took the words right out of my mouth.’
He kissed her, softly at first then with growing urgency, and a moan escaped her lips.
The doorbell ringing made them break apart like embarrassed teenagers.
‘Can we continue that later?’ Fletcher asked, his voice husky.
‘I’d be very disappointed if we didn’t.’ Roxie glanced downwards. ‘I think I’d better answer the door though. You’ll scare someone away with that pants tent.’
Fletcher followed her gaze and laughed. ‘I’ll dash upstairs before you let your guests in and freshen up, then I’ll head to the pub.’
Roxie followed him through to the hallway and watched him climb the stairs, then she opened the door with one hand while trying to hold two small and enthusiastic dogs back with the other.
An hour later, all the guests had arrived and Roxie was milling around filling glasses with pink champagne and exchanging pleasantries with some of the women from the village. She’d received plenty of compliments on how well the fresh strawberries went with the champagne and on her beautiful garden. The roses she’d cut and set as centrepieces filled the air with their sweet, heady scent and she was pleased she’d suggested having the hen, or – as Lila liked to refer to it – garden party here.
Glenda and Stinky were behaving well and only scrounging a bit. Glenda had a keen eye for an easy target and wandered around the garden, sniffing out dropped morsels or waiting in front of women who seemed most likely to share their food. Stinky followed her closely, as always, and usually managed to get her fair share.
‘This is going well,’ Joanne said as she accepted a top up from Roxie.
‘I think so. Do you think Lila’s enjoying it?’
‘Definitely.’
They looked at their friend who was sitting on a large garden chair with her feet up on a stool, a glass of lemonade in one hand and a bowl of strawberries in the other. Her skin was glowing, her hair shone and she had a beatific expression on her face that reminded Roxie of a painting she’d once seen of the Madonna and child in a gallery. Pregnancy had brought hormones and nausea and a changing shape to Lila but it also brought a serenity that suited her beautiful features. Roxie couldn’t wait to see Lila holding her child and the thought made her eyes sting.
‘Time for a speech?’ Joanne asked.
‘Okay.’ Roxie nodded, sniffing.
‘Are you going to do it?’
Roxie met Joanne’s gaze. ‘Me?’
‘Well … you are, almost, the mother of the bride. Or the big sister at least.’
‘I guess so … but you’re like a sister to her too.’
‘You’re more articulate than I am.’ Joanne smiled, her rosy cheeks like pink apples.
‘I’m not sure that’s true but I don’t mind saying a few words, but could you get another bottle and fill glasses then?’
‘No problem.’
Joanne headed to the fridge and Roxie took a swig of her champagne then went to the buffet table and picked up a spoon. She tapped it carefully on her glass and the garden fell silent, except for the singing of the birds in the trees.
‘Ladies, thank you all for coming. As you know, next Saturday, our lovely Lila is getting married. It’s a union we all want to celebrate and something that gives me so much joy in my heart. Lila has been a good friend of mine for quite some time and I see her as family. She’s like the daughter, or sister, I never had and I love her dearly. To see Lila and Ethan so happy together and with a beautiful baby on the way is just incredible. I’d like you to raise your glasses to this kind, caring and beautiful woman and to her glorious future! To Lila, Ethan and a lifetime of happiness.’
Glasses were raised and ‘to a lifetime of happiness’ echoed around the garden, then one by one, the women went to Lila and hugged her, pressed gentle hands to her bump after asking permission, and spoke words of encouragement. It was a moment of female solidarity and celebration and Roxie was proud to be part of it.
15
Lila
It had been a wonderful afternoon and Lila had enjoyed herself immensely. Roxie had put on delicious food, the champagne had flowed – for everyone else – and Lila had enjoyed listening to the many anecdotes about how the other women met their partners and about their wedding days. Some had tales of perfection about their relationships where love at first sight had deepened into contentment and equal partnership, while others told tales of how things go could wrong on a wedding day – something Lila had experienced first-hand. The general message Lila took away from the stories was that as long as she went with the flow on her wedding day and didn’t expect perfection, then nothing could ruin it.
The other guests had gone and Lila had hung back to offer to help Roxie tidy up but she had refused to allow Lila to lift a finger, insisting that it was Lila’s party and she’d not allow it. Joanne said the same and then they ushered her to the door with a bag of strawberries, cake and sandwiches to take home for Ethan’s dinner.
‘Thank you again. I’m so grateful.’ Lila hugged Roxie then Joanne. ‘You’ve been so kind.’
‘No problem at all. I’m just glad you enjoyed yourself.’
‘I’m so glad you didn’t get a stripper or anything like that.’ Lila smiled. ‘I’d have been mortified.’
‘Nor mine,’ Joanne chipped in. ‘Although having said that …’
The three of them laughed.
‘Anyway, I’ll take these home for Ethan and get an early night, I think. All the fresh air and good food, as well as this little one tap-dancing on my bladder have made me tired.’
‘Have a good sleep and build your energy. This time next week you’ll be a married woman.’
Lila’s stomach did a loop the loop.
‘I can’t believe it.’
‘It’s so exciting!’ Roxie bobbed up and down on the spot.
‘Everything’s perfect right now.’ Lila sighed with contentment.
‘Uh … Lila.’ She turned to find Fletcher standing on the doorstep. ‘Everything go okay?’
‘Wonderfully. It was such a lovely afternoon. The food and company were amazing and—’
‘Good. That’s good.’
‘Thank you so much for helping Roxie get everything organised.’
‘No problem at all. Uh … Lila. I … uh …’ Fletcher’s face was contorting as if he was in pain.
‘What is it?’ She peered curiously at him and Roxie stepped past her and stared at her husband’s face.
‘Fletcher? Is something wrong?’ Roxie asked.
‘Kind of. See, I was about to make my way home and … I bumped into someone.’
‘Who?’ Lila and Roxie asked together.
‘Someone who really wants to speak to you, Lila. I don’t know how to explain so it’s easier if I just bring her inside.’ Fletcher turned and called out, ‘You can come here now.’
A figure emerged from behind the garden hedge and Lila, Roxie, and Joanne gasped. It was the last person Lila expected to see and as her legs gave way, she felt strong hands grip her elbows and then everything went hazy.
‘Lila?’
‘Yes.’
‘Lila … open your eyes for me.’
Lila’s eyelids fluttered and she opened her eyes and looked around. She was in Roxie’s lounge on the sofa and Roxie was on the floor by her side.
‘Are you all right?’ Roxie’s eyes were filled with concern.
‘I’m okay.’ Lila did a quick body scan. ‘I think. What happened?’
‘You were leaving … Fletcher arrived home … but he had someone with him.’
Lila frowned as she pictured leaving Roxie’s then she sat upright. ‘Roxie, I’m so sorry … I faked fainting.’
‘Lie down, sweetheart.’
‘Honestly. I faked fainting because I panicked and didn’t know what else to do.’
‘You faked it?’
‘Yes.’
‘So you’re okay?’
‘I’m fine. A bit shaken but I’m not ill.’
‘What if Fletcher hadn’t been there to catch you?’
‘I wouldn’t have fallen all the way … just swooned a bit.’
‘Lila, I was terrified you were ill.’
‘I’m so sorry, Rox, but seeing her … it just sent me into a spin and I did feel faint even if I didn’t actually faint. I just wanted to get away from her.’
‘I still think you should lie there for a bit longer.’
‘Where is she?’
‘In the back garden with Fletcher.’
‘I can’t believe she’s here.’ Lila rubbed her eyes.
‘I don’t think anyone can.’ Roxie was wringing her hands. ‘I mean … you never told us about her.’
‘I’m sorry but it’s really complicated. How did she find me?’
‘Lila, I have no idea, but anyway … all that can wait. Our priority now is getting you checked out to make sure you and the baby are okay. Joanne has gone to get Ethan and Fletcher’s going to call the GP once he’s settled her outside.’
‘I’m fine, honestly. Please don’t call the doctor. I promise I didn’t faint. I could use some water though.’
‘I’ll get you some but you need to take it easy. You’ve had a shock.’
Lila touched her belly. ‘Would it have hurt the baby?’
‘You didn’t fall or bump yourself so I’m sure everything will be fine but you should rest anyway.’
‘I need to see her.’
‘It would be best to wait for a bit, wouldn’t it? I better go and tell Fletcher not to call the doctor.’
The doorbell rang through the house and Roxie got up. ‘I’m going to see who that is then get you that water, but you have to stay right there. Even if it was a fake faint, then you can deal with the rest afterwards.’
Lila nodded, knowing that Roxie was right, but it didn’t stop the churning in her belly or the pounding of her heart. She had to calm down for the baby’s sake because she needed to avoid stress but seeing Milly walking up Roxie’s driveway had been the last thing she’d expected and it had knocked her sideways.
16
Ethan
Ethan ran to Roxie and Fletcher’s house, his heart racing, his palms cold and clammy in spite of the sun’s warmth. Joanne had come to him and told him that Lila had fainted. He’d felt like the sky had fallen in and been catapulted back through time to when Tilly had been unwell. Losing Tilly had been the worst thing he’d been through and the idea of losing Lila too terrified him. He’d been able to keep it together by constantly reassuring himself that Lila was fit and healthy, strong and resilient, but was she? If she’d fainted like that, was she ill? Would he lose her and the baby?
He felt like crying and screaming, like pummelling the cars he passed with his fists then running a marathon so he’d feel only the pain in his body and not the agony in his heart. Lila and the baby were his world and he knew he’d die without them.
‘Hey, Ethan … it’s okay,’ Roxie said as she opened the door to him then placed a cool hand on his arm. ‘Lila’s fine. She had a shock that made her feel faint but she didn’t actually faint.’
‘What shock? I thought she was having a lovely party? She sent me a text saying how wonderful the afternoon had been.’
‘Joanne didn’t tell you what happened?’
‘No. Just that Lila had fainted.’
‘Right. Well … there was a reason why she felt a bit faint and it wasn’t anything to do with her health declining.’
‘There was?’ His skin was ashen, his forehead lined, and she could have sworn he’d aged twenty years since she’d last seen him.
‘Come on in and see her for yourself.’
She ushered him inside and Ethan pushed his hands through his hair feeling as though he’d like to tear it out. He’d give anything just to see for himself that Lila was all right.
‘She’s in the lounge. I’ll just go and get her some water.’
Ethan nodded then entered the lounge, trying to brace himself to be strong for his fiancée.
‘Ethan?’ Lila was on the sofa with her feet up, her head on one of Roxie’s large colourful cushions.
‘Lila!’ In spite of his desire to stay calm he needed to hold her and to reassure himself that she was fine. He knelt next to the sofa and took her hands, felt the warmth of her skin and the bones beneath it, the pulse in her wrists.
‘I’m all right, Ethan.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Definitely. I’m so sorry you were scared but Joanne dashed off and I didn’t have a chance to stop her. I didn’t really faint.’
‘Roxie said that, but Joanne came to get me and told me you’d collapsed. I left her standing there and raced over here. I was … terrified that something had gone wrong.’ His voice broke and he pressed his face to Lila’s hands, breathing in her scent, holding on to her as if to stop her leaving him.
‘Ethan … please look at me.’
He raised his head and met her eyes. She gently removed one of her hands from his and stroked his cheek. ‘I’m not ill. I was shocked to see someone … and I didn’t know how to react so I faked a faint. It was stupid of me and incredibly irresponsible but I’d never have actually fa
llen to the ground. As it was, Fletcher caught me and brought me in here.’
‘You really are okay?’
‘I am.’
‘Thank goodness! I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you or the baby.’
‘I’m here, my angel.’
He leant closer and rested his head gently on her bump and felt reassured when the baby moved as if knowing he was there.
‘I’d do anything to protect you both.’
‘I know you would and I love you for it.’
‘Who was it that surprised you?’
Lila pressed her lips together until they went white. ‘I’m so sorry Ethan but I have something I need to tell you. It’s something I never told anyone before, something I hoped I could leave in my past and never have to face again. But … it seems that the past always catches up with you in one way or another.’
He watched her beautiful face, traced the outline of her jaw with his eyes, her smooth skin, her blonde hair. Whatever she had kept from him didn’t matter because she was his world. He would listen and accept what she had to tell him without judgement or blame. It couldn’t be worse than losing her would be.
‘So tell me. Let me in, Lila. I want to know.’
She nodded and sat up then crossed her legs in front of her and Ethan sat at her side, taking her hand in both of his.
17
Lila
Lila felt terrible for worrying poor Ethan. When he entered the lounge, he looked distraught. She wished she could take the past hour back and stand there and be strong but she really had panicked and acted a bit rashly, which she wanted to blame on hormones but she knew part of it was fear. She’d come to Wisteria Hollow and created a new life for herself, had everything she could have wished for now, so having part of her not so happy past appear at her hen party was not something she’d expected in a million years.
And yet … Hadn’t her friends mentioned recently that they’d seen someone like her around the village? Why hadn’t she let that fact sink in? It seemed so far-fetched that she hadn’t given it too much thought and now here she was having to deal with her ignorance. Or had it been deeper than that, and she’d not wanted to accept that Milly was here?
A Wedding on Sunflower Street: An uplifting story about friendship, love and marriage Page 7
